Chauhan, who became a member of the BJP in 2004, has been associated with the party for more than 20 years.

The students of FTII and other protesters, justifying their opposition to Chauhan's appointment, say his lack of "significant contribution/work to even qualify as a footnote or a passing reference in the history of Indian cinema and television".

Chauhan, who played Yudhisthir in TV epic Mahabharata, has worked in several soft porn films.

Following the unending protest and students' reluctance to attending the classes, the I&B Ministry invited the students of FTII to sort out matters.

On 3 July, the students led by Kasaravalli and others met I&B Minister Arun Jaitley and raised their demands at the two-hour meeting.

Somre reports say the meeting was "inconclusive", while others suggested the I&B Ministry has threatened to shut down the institution or privatise it if the protests continue, attracting criticism from the film fraternity.

Criticising the government over the alleged threat, Gopalakrishnan said: "An institution like FTII cannot be closed in a day at the behest of a minister and higher authorities. If the government has made the wrong choice then it is for them to correct it".

In the wake of the uncertainty over the Centre's decision, FTII Students' Association (FSA) is planning to seek judicial remedy to ensure Chauhan is removed from his post.

"We are also exploring the option of approaching a court of law on the issue as judiciary is another platform available to us," PTI quoted FSA representative Rakesh Shukla as saying.